Euonymus japonicus (evergreen spindle or Japanese spindle) is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to Japan and Korea.

Description

Euonymus japonicus is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 3 m tall, with opposite, oval leaves 3 – long, more usually 6 – long, with finely serrated margins towards the end of the leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-white, 5–6 mm (0.2 in) across. The fruit capsule is brown, or yellow- to red-brown. The seeds have an orange-red aril. Euonymus japonicus is very similar to Euonymus fortunei, particularly in cultivation. In the wild, E. japonicus has an erect habit, whereas E. fortunei is climbing or procumbent.

Taxonomy

Euonymus japonicus was first described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1780. A large number of varieties and forms have been named, none of which were accepted by Plants of the World Online.

Horticultural cultivars

Euonymus japonicus is a popular ornamental plant for parks and gardens, both in its native area and also in Europe and North America. In particular the numerous cultivars which have been selected (often with variegated or yellow leaves) are widely grown in all soil types in sun or shade. Some of the more distinctive cultivars are: (those marked have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit)